Rosacea and spider vein correction
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition of the face that most commonly appears on the nose and cheeks and may gradually spread to the entire face. Its characteristic symptoms include persistent redness, dilated capillaries, and in more advanced cases, the appearance of nodules and tissue overgrowth.
Rosacea is a common and often persistent skin condition in adulthood. Its development is associated with genetic predisposition, weakness of the vascular walls, as well as environmental and lifestyle factors.
Causes and progression of rosacea
Many people mistakenly believe that rosacea is exclusively a condition affecting alcohol
consumers. While regular alcohol intake can indeed increase the likelihood and severity of symptoms, the primary cause of rosacea is genetic predisposition. This means that rosacea can also develop in individuals who rarely or never consume alcohol.
The onset and progression of rosacea are influenced by a combination of internal and external factors.
Common triggering and predisposing factors of rosacea
- hereditary (genetic) factors
- high blood pressure
- circulatory disorders
- gastrointestinal diseases
- digestive disorders
- consumption of certain foods and beverages, such as:
- coffee
- alcohol
- spicy foods
- preservatives and food additives
- sun exposure and UV radiation
- stress and prolonged nervous strain
In many cases, rosacea symptoms worsen after meals—especially after consuming hot or spicy foods, caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, and when using irritating cosmetic products.
Certain medications and environmental factors—such as sunlight, wind, cold temperatures, or sudden temperature changes—may also trigger pronounced vascular reactions.
Strong emotional stress, stressful situations, or intense physical exercise can also cause unusually intense facial redness and capillary dilation.
Course and stages of rosacea
Rosacea typically follows a slow, progressively worsening course. In the early stages, redness appears only intermittently, but over time it recurs more frequently in response to triggering factors, may persist for several days, and can eventually become permanent.
At this stage, persistent redness (hyperaemia) and small dilated blood vessels (telangiectasia) develop on the face, particularly on the nose and cheeks.
In more advanced rosacea—especially on the nose—red or pus-filled, acne-like lesions may appear. This form often resembles acne and is therefore frequently confused with it; however, rosacea requires a different treatment approach. As inflammation subsides, these lesions typically resolve without leaving scars. During this inflammatory phase, symptoms may be accompanied by burning sensations, tightness, or pain.
In the late stage of the disease, overgrowth of the sebaceous glands may lead to the formation of larger nodules. The most well-known manifestation is rhinophyma, characterized by a bulbous, cauliflower-like thickening of the nasal skin, occurring predominantly in men.
Why is early treatment important?
Rosacea does not resolve on its own, and without treatment, mild symptoms may gradually worsen. The condition can progress from the first to the second and eventually to the third stage, the latter of which can only be treated surgically.
In the early stage, when redness and dilated blood vessels are the dominant symptoms, laser and light-based treatments (IPL, ELOS) play a key role. These therapies can significantly reduce or even eliminate symptoms on a long-term basis.
How does ELOS treatment help in rosacea and enlarged pores?
ELOS (Electro Optical Synergy) technology targets rosacea-related vascular dilation with precision.
During treatment, the combined energies:
- reduce dilated capillaries and redness
- help restore damaged smooth muscle in the vessel walls
- improve collagen and elastic fiber structure
- enhance skin texture and refine enlarged pores
- create a more even, uniform skin surface
As a result of the treatments, dilated vessels gradually fade, nodules may be reabsorbed, and the skin tone becomes calmer and more even.
Treatment protocol
- Treatments are performed every 2–3 weeks
- Recommended course: 3–5 sessions
- After completing the course, 1–4 maintenance treatments per year are recommended to preserve the results
Possible side effects
The treatment is gentle and safe, and side effects are rare and temporary. These may include mild redness or minimal swelling, which typically resolve on their own within a short period of time.
Contraindications for laser / ELOS treatments
The treatment cannot be performed if any of the following apply:
- use of medications that cause photosensitivity
- active skin conditions in the treatment area (e.g., eczema, psoriasis, rashes)
- fever, inflammatory conditions, or severe illness
- tattooed skin in the treatment area
- freshly tanned or recently sunbed-exposed skin
- if, based on medical assessment, the treatment is not recommended
Important information before treatment
On the day of treatment, please do not apply cosmetic products to the area to be treated.
In particular, avoid: perfume, deodorant, self-tanning products.
If you are taking any medication, please inform the treating professional prior to the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions – Rosacea Treatment
Is rosacea curable?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition, and complete cure is not possible. However, with appropriate treatment and lifestyle management, symptoms can be significantly reduced and kept under longterm control.
Is the treatment painful?
What will my skin look like after treatment?
After the procedure, some redness may remain and blood vessels may appear more visible, but this side effect is rare and temporary. The skin will not be damaged or wounded, and normal daily activities can be resumed immediately.
Can rosacea be confused with acne?
Yes. In its inflammatory stage, rosacea may produce acne-like lesions. However, rosacea and acne are not the same condition, and their treatments differ. Rosacea-related lesions usually subside as inflammation decreases and generally do not leave scars.
Can I use makeup or skincare products after treatment?
Yes, makeup and skincare products can be used immediately after treatment. Since the skin surface is not damaged, your usual skincare routine may be continued.
What aftercare is recommended?
After treatment, it is important to nourish and hydrate the skin. In cases of pronounced redness, soothing creams may be used (e.g. Bepanthen, Cicaplast, Aloe vera).
The effectiveness of ELOS treatments can be further enhanced with deep hydration therapies – please ask about our regenerative and hydrating cosmetic treatments.
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